Bishop asks Christchurch parishes to reflect on Lord’s call

In a letter to parishes about a Diocesan Synodal Communal Discernment Process, Bishop Gielen wrote that one of the primary tools used throughout this process has been the Ignatian Spiritual Conversation, often referred to as Conversation in the Spirit.

“This prayerful process enables participants to listen deeply to one another and to the Holy Spirit within a community,” the Bishop wrote.

“It has proven to be a powerful means of communal discernment and a practical way of fostering a synodal culture.

“I am now asking the leadership of every parish, priest/s and lay faithful, to gather for at least one meeting of parish leaders, using the Spiritual Conversation process to reflect on the vision and priorities of the Diocese, reflecting on the question: How is the Lord calling our parish to worship, catechesis and witness?”

Bishop Gielen added: “In addition to pastoral leaders in the parish, I would want to ensure parish finance committee members and school principals be included if possible. This process is most effective with six to nine people per group, therefore you may have two or more groups meeting concurrently, concluding by gathering feedback. Other groups in the parish are very welcome to gather and participate in this Spiritual Conversation.”

“The Diocese’s approach to synodal implementation is intentionally gentle and practical,” Bishop Gielen wrote.

“Rather than introducing large-scale programmes, the focus is on embedding the Spiritual Conversation as a regular and effective tool within parish life, helping communities grow in prayerful discernment, shared responsibility and missionary renewal.”

In the letter, Bishop Gielen stated that he had established a Diocesan Synod Team earlier this year “to assist me in the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality”.

He also noted that, as part of the Christchurch diocesan contribution to the universal synodal process, he is required to provide a report to Rome in the New Year about the synodal process in his Diocese.

FULL STORY

Bishop Gielen letter to parishes on Spiritual Conversations (Catholic Diocese of Christchurch)

The Diocesan Synodal Journey (Catholic Diocese of Christchurch)